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Charleston, Ill. – Eastern Illinois volleyball played host to UT Martin in an OVC conference matchup Saturday afternoon. The Panthers beat the Skyhawks stretching their winning-streak to three matches winning in four sets (25-14, 25-22, 18-25, and 25-15).
The Panthers showed aggressiveness early dominating the first set.
Maria Brown led the Panthers offense with six of her team-high 14 kills in the match.
Gina Furlin helped spread the ball around offensively for the Panthers leading the first set with nine assists.
The second set featured dominance from the Skyhawks as they tried to even out the match. The Panthers were able to spark a late comeback in the set with the help of
Laurel Bailey. Bailey led the offense power surge for the Panthers totaling a set-high six kills. Defensively Bailey and
Anne Hughes each claimed ten digs to lift the Panthers over the Skyhawks in the second-set.
UT Murray would spoil the Panthers shot at a second consecutive OVC sweep in the third set winning 25-18. Jemima Idemudia led the Skyhawks with six of her team-high 14 kills on the day. Kenzie Hinshaw would also help UT Martin get the offensive push they needed all-match with eight of her team-high 22 assists.
Similar to last night the Panthers closed out the match with a dominant block party. EIU would total a set-high ten blocks in the fourth set which proved to be the difference maker.
Taylor Smith,
Allie Hueston, and
Maggie Runge each totaled three blocks in the set. The fourth set included the highest hitting percentage for the Panthers on the day totaling an average of .375.
Smith grabbed her fourth triple-double of the season with her 13 kills, 22 assists, and season-high 20 digs. Furlin led the Panthers in assists with her 25 assists. Defensively leading the Panthers was Bailey who totaled 22 digs, and Hueston led in blocks with six.
The Panthers return to action Friday night on the road at Morehead State in an OVC conference showdown at 7 p.m.
